One member of the Burnsville-Savage-Eagan school board voted against the measure.
Another held back tears when voicing her approval.
In the end, some 1,200 students will have to find a new place for education, while the district saves $2 million a year with the closing of three school buildings.
The district has been discussing school closing proposals since before the current educational year began, with parents making numerous pleas to keep the buildings open.
A study showed Metcalf Middle School along with Marion Savage and Sioux Trails elementary schools were underutilized, falliing below state guidelines when it came to enrollment versus space and operating costs.
Enrollement has also been going down over the years in the district.
Records show last year's enrollment of 8,300 students was the district's lowest in a decade, and projections are for further declines to fewer than 8,000 within four years.
“I do not relish bringing this recommendation to you. It’s not what I want to be doing as an educator or an educational leader,” said superintendent Dr. Theresa Battle. "As I've said before, this work is essential."
The district is saddled with a $5.5 million deficit.
School board member Lesley Chester paused for several seconds when he name was called in the roll-call vote, letting out an audible sob after voting yes.
DeeDee Courier cast the only no vote.
Battle told the board even though members of the community agreed this was the right step, they're still not all that happy with the outcome.
"People who have participated in this process passionately let us know how these changes will impact their families and community, and promised to hold us accountable for our decisions," she said.